What to do when someone dies

Registering a death

The death must be registered with a Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths within five days unless it has been referred to a coroner.

Arranging the funeral

You should endeavour to find a Will that the deceased left as they may have expressed their funeral wishes in this document.

Immediate matters

If a house does become vacant as a result of the death it is worth ensuring that all keys are located and if necessary arranging for locks to be changed. Most importantly the insurance company must be advised that the property will now remain empty to ensure cover continues.

Information to deal with the deceased’s estate

Obtain as much paperwork of the deceased as possible including the Will or copy and cheque books, bank statements, credit card details, building society books, mortgage details. Try and locate life insurance policies and paperwork, shares, stocks, bonds and pension information.

Find all household bills including those that are unpaid.

Collect all tax records

If the deceased is a business owner you will need all paperwork relating to the business including VAT records and accounts (the deceased’s account if contact details of available will be able to assist).

Check to see if probate or grant of Letters of Administration is required. When someone dies a person must deal with their estate by collecting in the assets, paying debts and distributing the estate. If there are only small amounts in banks or building societies these may be able to be released without probate or Letters of Administration.